Garrard Co KY

In the city of Lancaster, Ky, an apparel plant (Cowdens) started production in August, 1946. And for near 40 years, it was part of the economic foundation of the county/area (along with to***co and Lexington). But Cowdens and to***co would end.
In the Congressional Record (1987), there was discussion from Congressman Phillip M. Crane (Ill.) about the U.S. apparel industry losing more than 100,000 jobs to the rising volume of apparel imports. Across the country, women who once worked in apparel factories were interviewed - those from cities and small towns. They talked about work, which was always hard; and about production schedules, which were difficult to meet. But they were a community inside these plants. And the pay, although not great, was steady. The benefits, while modest, assured them that they could afford things like health coverage... And this discussion included: “In Lancaster, Ky, Cowden Manufacturing Co. let go 1,375 workers who made denim pants.”
Like many families, my mother, Ethel Sutton worked there for more than 20 years.

Public Square shared by both horess and autos. I wonder what the "22" on the water tower was for? (maybe 1922?)